Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know

Cataracts are a common condition that affects millions of people, typically developing with age and causing cloudy vision. When left untreated, cataracts can severely impair your ability to see, making daily tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult. Thankfully, cataract surgery is a safe and effective treatment that can restore your vision. If you or a loved one are considering cataract surgery, here’s what you need to know about the procedure, recovery, and results.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy due to the buildup of proteins, which affects your ability to focus light properly. This can lead to blurred or dimmed vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, and even a yellowish tint in your vision. Cataracts are most commonly age-related but can also result from eye injuries, medical conditions like diabetes, or long-term use of certain medications.

What Is Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure in which the cloudy natural lens of your eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens allows light to pass through and focus properly on your retina, restoring clear vision.

There are two main types of cataract surgery:

• Phacoemulsification (Phaco) – The most common method, using ultrasound waves to break up the cloudy lens for removal.

• Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery – A more advanced option that uses a laser to make precise incisions and break up the cataract.

Both procedures have high success rates and are typically completed within 15–30 minutes.

How to Prepare for Cataract Surgery

Before surgery, your eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to assess the severity of your cataract and determine the appropriate type of IOL for your needs. There are several types of IOLs available, including:

• Monofocal IOLs – Provide clear vision at one distance (usually far).

• Multifocal IOLs – Correct vision at multiple distances, reducing the need for glasses.

• Toric IOLs – Correct astigmatism along with cataracts.

You will also be given instructions to prepare for surgery, such as using special eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation. It’s essential to arrange for transportation to and from the surgery since your vision will be affected immediately after the procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

On the day of the surgery, you’ll receive anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye, and in some cases, a sedative to help you relax. The surgeon will then make a small incision in your eye, remove the cataract, and insert the IOL. The incision typically heals on its own without the need for stitches.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients notice an improvement in their vision within a few days after surgery. However, it can take several weeks for your eyes to fully adjust. During recovery, you may experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and itching. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help prevent infection and control inflammation.

It's important to follow these aftercare tips:

• Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.

• Wear protective eyewear as instructed.

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.

• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

Schedule Your Eye Exam with Dr. Wong & Associates Today

Cataract surgery is usually recommended when cataracts start interfering with your daily life. If you’re having trouble reading, driving, or performing other tasks due to cloudy vision, it may be time to speak with your eye doctor about cataract surgery.

If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your cataract evaluation, contact Dr. Wong & Associates to take the first step toward clearer vision. Visit our office in Danbury, Connecticut, or call (203) 748-3937 to book an appointment today.